It wasn’t long ago that Luke Walton was one of the most sought after young coaches in the NBA.
In 2015, Walton helped guide the Golden State Warriors to a 39-4 record as in interim coach while Steve Kerr recovered from offseason back surgery, including a 24-0 start.
He wouldn’t find the same success leading the Lakers young core pre-LeBron, or in Sacramento. But now, the former player and son of NBA great Bill Walton finds himself back on his feet with a team he once played for.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Luke Walton as an assistant coach, … Walton joins JB Bickerstaff’s coaching staff after spending five-plus years as head coach of the Lakers and Kings. Walton spent his final two seasons as a player with Cleveland a decade ago.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Luke Walton as an assistant coach, sources tell ESPN. Walton joins JB Bickerstaff’s coaching staff after spending five-plus years as head coach of the Lakers and Kings. Walton spent his final two seasons as a player with Cleveland a decade ago.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2022
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The NBA world reacted to Walton’s hiring, Tuesday.
“A bit surprised Walton isn’t returning to Golden State, but Cleveland makes a lot of sense,” said Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento.
A bit surprised Walton isn’t returning to Golden State, but Cleveland makes a lot of sense. https://t.co/bZhHGJ6mnR
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) May 31, 2022
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“Great hire,” one user replied.
Great hire https://t.co/Payii8MeYp
— year 22 (@johnrivers131) May 31, 2022
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“Gather round kids, let me tell you about Masked Luke Walton.”
Gather round kids, let me tell you about Masked Luke Walton https://t.co/gDgzkCS0iv pic.twitter.com/tdpgHVieIQ
— 𝚘𝚑𝚒𝚘’𝚜 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 (@OHsVeryOwn) May 31, 2022
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“Proof that once u get into that fraternity it doesn’t matter if ur actually good at it or not,” commented another.
Proof that once u get into that fraternity it doesn’t matter if ur actually good at it or not https://t.co/U6L2RMUZfP
— kyrie and luka will expose the league (@bIoach) May 31, 2022
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“Luke Walton is coming back to Cleveland,” tweeted FOX 8’s P.J. Ziegler.
Luke Walton is coming back to Cleveland. #Cavs https://t.co/gBkLvarc1F
— P.J. ZIEGLER (@PJFOX8) May 31, 2022
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“Luke Walton is headed to Cleveland. Thought he might go back to Golden State to replace Mike Brown,” said Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
Luke Walton is headed to Cleveland. Thought he might go back to Golden State to replace Mike Brown. https://t.co/SAkB9GiYaF
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) May 31, 2022
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Luke Walton has a career .408 head coaching record across 407 games (not including his interim stint).